Vice President of Business Services Division to retire at end of academic year

1981 College graduate and Vice President of the Business Services Division Marie Witt will retire at the end of the academic school year. 

Starting at Penn as a personnel specialist in 1981, Witt has dedicated 42 years of service to the University. She spearheaded the Business Service team's investment of over $600 million to enhance existing residential areas and develop new living spaces on campus.

Witt’s leadership resulted in the construction of the Lauder and Gutmann College Houses and the preservation of the Quad. Witt also oversaw improving the college housing system, creating better security measures, and implementing fully air-conditioned buildings. Penn's dining services, such as Houston Market, were also upgraded under Witt.  

“Like Business Services’ motto, she is a person who, more than anyone else, is an outstanding example of “setting the standard” — an excellent University citizen who has promoted and recognized the accomplishments of the team she has mentored, supported, and guided over the years,” Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli wrote in a letter sent to The Daily Pennsylvanian. 

Witt also fostered relationships between Penn and the broader Philadelphia community by helping faculty and staff purchase homes in West Philadelphia and ensuring local job opportunities with partners like the Inn at Penn and Barnes & Noble. 

In support of Penn's carbon neutrality goal, Witt also initiated measures like reducing dining waste and starting a green purchasing initiative. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Marie oversaw quarantine housing and secure dining operations.

In 2002, Witt’s career earned her a Models of Excellence Honorable Mention Award. In his statement, Carnaroli wrote that Witt’s knowledge of operating a higher education institution is “unique.” 

“Her integration of innovative technology and industry-leading service improvement strategies has played a pivotal role in realizing Business Services’ achievements. These, like leadership and commitment, are not easy metrics to quantify,"  Carnaroli wrote. "For me, they are symbolized in a simple act. Marie has used the walls of the Business Services conference room to display the photos of staff recognized with Penn’s Models of Excellence awards."

Marie will maintain her position as Vice President until a replacement is identified. A nationwide search is set to commence this academic term. After her successor is appointed, Marie will take on the role of Special Advisor, assisting in the leadership transition.